Why join the course?

Explore the world of football (soccer), the money, the rivalries, the trends, the past, the present, the men’s game, the woman’s game and the real issues. Whether you love it, hate it or try to ignore it – join us as we go behind the scenes to examine why football is more than just a game.

From street soccer to multi-million dollar transfers, from the men’s game to the women’s, from the global to the local, from the beaches of Brazil to
the fight against poverty this online course looks beyond the pitch, to explore football’s role in society and possibly a community near you.

0:12Skip to 0 minutes and 12 secondsIt involves people, players, and enormous amounts of money travelling around the world. We're standing here inside the National Football Museum of Scotland at Hampden park in the city of Glasgow. Not far from here in 1872, the world's first international official football match took place between Scotland and England. Other countries, such as China, also have an important part to play and say in the history of world football.

0:47Skip to 0 minutes and 47 secondsUruguay in 1930 won the very first FIFA World Cup. Wherever you have come from, we will introduce you to key aspects of the global game of football. Where did this come from and where it is going. We have brought together a team of experts from the University, from football, from different stakeholders, who will help to give you a behind the scenes look at the greatest game in the world today. My name is Professor Grant Jarvie. I'm here to warmly welcome you to this course. I'm really excited about working with you as we explore the wonderful and complicated game of football.

What topics will you&nbspcover?

Introduction to early history, origins and myths about football

Golden football moments

The rise of global football, FIFA and the Big 5 Football Leagues

Introduction to football finance and wealth

Great football clubs, nations, rivalries and matches that changed the world

Introduction to football data, trends and what it tells us

Who are the world champions and what makes them champions?

The rise, popularity and myths about women’s football

Tackling inequality, homelessness and health through football

Introduction to football governance, ownership and power

What makes a great football team?

Is football more than a game?

Meet a football legend and their views on Brazil and the greatest footballer they played against

When would you like to&nbspstart?

Available now

This course started 14 January 2019

What will you&nbspachieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

Understand the importance of concepts to explain football in different countries

Understand and explain the role of football within international development

Critically examine and understand the use of data and evidence

Consider the role of history in explaining trends and change

Develop communication, IT and data analysis skills

Apply knowledge, skills and understanding to explain why Football is more than a game

Develop autonomy, accountability and working with others

Who is the course&nbspfor?

Is this course only for football experts and fans?

Not at all, everyone is welcome - anybody interested in football and its place in the world. We recommend a broad interest in football as a contemporary phenomenon - you will cover some of the top football clubs, grass-roots football projects, the FIFA World Cup, and the Homeless World Cup.

What resources will I need for this class?

All you need is internet access to join in the discussions and time to work through each week’s content.